Özkul Yılmaz ÇOLAK, Neslihan Ünal AKDEMİR, Melda İŞEVİ, Tuğçehan Sezer AKMAN, Fatma ÜLGER
Türk Yoğun Bakım Dergisi - 2026;24(2):107-113
Objective: This study investigated whether endoscopic abnormalities detected during percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement are associated with complications in critically ill patients and whether these incidental findings predict adverse outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy between January 2014 and January 2024 in the intensive care unit of a tertiary academic hospital. Demographic data, clinical features, endoscopic findings, biopsy results, and complications were recorded. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of complications, and statistical comparisons were performed. Results: Eighty-seven critically ill patients were included. The median age was 69 years; 63.2% were male. Incidental endoscopic findings were observed in 39.1%, including esophagitis, gastritis, ulcers, and other mucosal abnormalities. Biopsies were obtained in 14.9% of patients and revealed chronic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, or Helicobacter pylori. Complications occurred in 19.5%, with wound infection, bleeding, and leakage being most common. No statistically significant association was found between any endoscopic or histopathological findings and complication development. Conclusion: Endoscopic and histopathological abnormalities were common but not predictive of complications. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy can be safely performed without delay in the presence of mild to moderate mucosal changes. Systemic factors should guide risk assessment in critically ill patients.
